A GARDENER is retiring after 34 years tending the botanic gardens at Wakehurst.

Paul Reader joined Wakehurst at Ardingly near Haywards Heath in October 1984.

His first area of responsibility was looking after the Water Garden and Heath Garden, now known as the Southern Hemisphere Garden.

It wasn’t long after this that Paul faced one of the biggest challenges of his career – the Great Storm of 1987.

This changed the landscape of Wakehurst overnight as 20,000 trees were razed to the ground.

Paul was heavily involved in the clear up operation and the redevelopment within the gardens.

His next area of focus was the development of the Tony Schilling Asian Heath Garden and this became his main area of work.

Paul said: “Over my 34 years I have seen Wakehurst develop hugely with visitor numbers peaking at over 4,000.

“I have had the privilege to work for, and with, some extremely dedicated people.”

Paul says he was privileged to witness the building of the Millennium Seed Bank and has been responsible, along with his team, for the planted landscape around this building since 2000.

He also organises the Friends of Kew coffee mornings and enjoys promoting the work done at Wakehurst, which is funded and managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

He says it has been close to his heart to support the people who support the entire organisation.

Paul has also taken responsible for training and supporting the volunteer guides who promote Wakehurst through their tours around the 500-acre grounds.

His other skills include woodwork and photography.